Troy University alumnus and President and CEO of 1 Sync Technologies Eric Sloan encouraged TROY graduates go forward with determination to make a difference in the world.

Speaking during the fall commencement ceremony at TROY’s Montgomery Campus on Monday night, Sloan told the more than 160 graduates that, armed with their TROY degree, it was now their time to act.

“Tonight, we celebrate your determination, courage and integrity. As you step into this new chapter, Troy University has prepared you well. You are needed in this world, now more than ever,” Sloan said. “As our esteemed Chancellor often quotes, ‘Since 1887, TROY has held true to its mission. We educate the mind to think, the heart to feel and the body to act.’ Now it is your turn to act.”

Sloan shared with graduates his own personal framework, representing the guiding principle of his life. He calls it, the SLOAN Framework, and he guided graduates through the acronym it represents.

The ‘S,’ Sloan said, stands for “show up.” 

“This isn’t just about being physically present, it is about being present in every sense of the word – mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally,” he said. “It is about bringing your energy, your focus and, most importantly, your belief in yourself. Think about this, how often do we walk into an environment and let self-doubt creep in? Here’s the truth, none of us are perfect and we all carry some level of doubt, but even in our imperfections, we are enough. Recognize that you have something valuable to offer. Just show up.”

Sloan said the ‘L’ stands for “leverage.”

“Success often hinges on making the most of your strengths, your resources, your faith and the relationships you’ve cultivated along the way,” he told the graduates. “Think about the skills you’ve developed, the knowledge you’ve gained and the network you’ve built. These are powerful tools at your disposal. Success isn’t about doing it all alone, it is about recognizing what you already have and using it wisely.”

The ‘O,’ Sloan said, stands for “obstacles and opportunities.”

“Life is full of challenges, and I’m sure that many of you would admit to facing hurdles on your path to this eventful day. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow,” he said. “The key lies in how you choose to view and respond to those obstacles. Obstacles don’t just test you; they prepare you.”

Sloan said the letter ‘A’ stands for “action.”

“It is one thing to be ready for an opportunity; it is another to act on it. When opportunity knocks, take action,” he said. “All you need to do, as the Bible says, is have a mustard seed of faith because faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. Some of you may already be considering new careers, leadership roles or entrepreneurship. My advice is don’t wait for the perfect conditions. Success doesn’t come to those who wait. It comes to those who are bold enough to act and take risks. Every step I’ve taken was fueled by action and leaps of faith. I didn’t always feel ready, but I moved forward anyway. Activate your faith, pray about it and take that first step. If things don’t work out, don’t stop. Keep moving forward. Be bold, be courageous, and be that Trojan Warrior.”

Closing his remarks, Sloan noted that the ‘N’ stands for “never stop learning.”

“Graduation marks a milestone, but this isn’t the end of your educational journey. In this next chapter, embrace the mindset of a lifelong learner. You may or may not sit in a classroom but stay curious and committed to growth,” Sloan said. “Don’t underestimate the value of mentorship, both giving it and receiving it. When you mentor someone, you deepen your understanding and when you are mentored, you gain new perspectives. Learning flows both ways, so seek out those relationships intentionally. Your education isn’t over, it is evolving with you. The more you learn, the more doors you open and the more impact you will have. I hope this will inspire you to create your own framework – one that reflects your own values and empowers you to lead with confidence and intention.”

In the late 1990s, Sloan distinguished himself as a formidable All-American defensive back for the then-Troy State Trojans. Initially joining TROY as a walk-on for Coach John Mayotte’s baseball team, his passion soon shifted to football, where he excelled under Coach Larry Blakeney. During his collegiate career, Sloan earned two All-American honors and was named to the Southland Conference All-Decade Team. He also contributed to the Trojan track team, helping secure four consecutive TAAC Conference championships under Coach Bob Lambert.

After graduating in 2000 with a degree in Computer Science, Sloan briefly played in the NFL as a free agent with the San Diego Chargers and later in the XFL with the Birmingham Thunderbolts.

Sloan continued his education at Troy University, earning an MBA in 2005, which paved the way for his successful career in information technology.

Sloan and his wife, Nicole, are both proud alumni of Troy University and are the proud parents to their two sons, Courtland (29) and Jayden (23). The couple is an active part of the Montgomery community.